Apple Launches MacBook Pro and iMac With M6 Chip

3 hours ago

6 min read

Apple has introduced the new M6-powered MacBook Pro and iMac in India, featuring faster graphics, improved AI performance, Wi-Fi 7, and Bluetooth 6. Check their prices, specifications, features, and sale dates.

Apple has introduced a refresh to its MacBook Pro and iMac range by introducing the M6 chip that will give better graphics performance, AI and connectivity. The new 14-inch MacBook Pro comes with an up to 24-hour battery life, whereas the newly introduced 24-inch iMac comes with faster graphics performance and AI processing on the device itself.

The new Macs come before the Pro and Tell event of Apple that will take place on October 28 where Apple will introduce its new OLED MacBook Pro that will have a touch screen facility. By introducing the new M6 powered MacBook Pro and iMac, Apple is targeting professionals and developers.

Apple MacBook Pro M6 Price in India and Availability

In India, the new 14-inch MacBook Pro with M6 chip will be available starting from Rs 2,39,900. At educational prices, it can be purchased by students at Rs 2,27,900. The new Macbook will come in two colour variants, including Space Black and Silver. The pre-ordering for the new product will begin from October 28, while the sales will begin from November 6.

The initial price of the M6 MacBook Pro makes the product quite expensive, especially compared to older versions. Last October, the launch of MacBook Pro with M5 chip in India was done at the price of Rs 1,89,900. But since then, due to some price changes because of the increase in memory prices, the starting price of the M5 MacBook Pro became Rs 2,39,900, which is similar to the price of the new M6 MacBook Pro.

At the start of March, the M5 Pro MacBook Pro started at Rs 2,49,900, while the M5 Max variant started at Rs 3,99,900. Though these versions differ in the configuration of their chips, the price difference between the M6 MacBook Pro and M5 Pro MacBook is not very big.

Apple MacBook Pro M6 Specifications and Features

The latest MacBook Pro uses the M6 chip by Apple, which has a 12-core CPU and a 12-core GPU. According to Apple, this new chip offers up to 30% better graphics and up to 25% faster AI processing compared to its predecessor M5. This means that this computer can easily perform tasks which require intensive graphics and AI processing.

Another important change is related to the improvement in AI capacity of the chip. Each GPU core of the device is now equipped with the Neural Accelerator, while a 16-core Neural Engine manages the AI processes. As for the memory of this new MacBook Pro, it features 170GB/s memory bandwidth, as well as up to 32GB of unified memory. Starting configuration comes with 16GB of memory.

Such improvements should help users perform many professional tasks on this computer, such as editing photos or videos, software development or running AI software. Still, the existing users of this laptop may not be interested in purchasing the new version, as it will not bring any significant benefits.

Battery life is another key feature of the new MacBook Pro. Apple claims that the laptop can deliver up to 24 hours of battery life on a single charge, making it suitable for users who need to work away from a power outlet for extended periods. The device also supports Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 for wireless connectivity.

Display, Camera and Connectivity

The 14-inch MacBook Pro M6 maintains the Liquid Retina XDR display, with maximum HDR brightness of 1,600 nits and a contrast ratio of 1,000,000:1. Additionally, the consumers have an option to choose from the nano-textured display coating, aimed at reducing reflections in difficult lighting scenarios.

The laptop has a 12MP Center Stage camera with support for Desk View function, and it has a six-speaker audio system with Spatial Audio support for a better audio experience while making video calls, watching movies, listening to music, and attending virtual conferences.

The laptop is fitted with plenty of physical ports including HDMI, MagSafe 3, three Thunderbolt 4 ports, an SDXC card reader, and a headphone jack. It has support for up to two external monitors, providing more screen space for professionals. If used with a 96W or more power adapter, it takes about 30 minutes for the laptop to charge to 50%.

The M6 MacBook Pro runs macOS 27 and supports Apple Intelligence features. While the improved chip, battery life and AI processing are the primary attractions, the familiar design, display and port selection mean this is primarily an internal hardware upgrade rather than a major redesign.

M6 MacBook Pro vs M5 Pro and M5 Max

The new M6 MacBook Pro seems to be powerful enough to meet the needs of many users, such as students, programmers, photographers, and video editors. The upgraded GPU and enhanced AI capabilities are likely to facilitate working processes for the users, whereas the promised long battery life of the device adds to its advantages for users seeking a portable workstation.

Nevertheless, the MacBook Pro with the M5 Pro or M5 Max chip would suit better those people who do video rendering, complicated 3D modeling, or some other professional tasks, which require more computational power and fast data exchange via Thunderbolt. The difference between the three variants is that the new MacBook Pro does not have Thunderbolt 5 but only Thunderbolt 4, which is slower.

The decision of which MacBook Pro is better depends on the user's activity. Those people who value the newest chip and AI enhancements would prefer the new MacBook Pro, while the professionals should look through other MacBook Pro models.

Apple iMac M6 Specifications and Features

In addition to the MacBook Pro, Apple has also upgraded its 24-inch iMac with the M6 chip. This desktop model also comes with its thin all-in-one design and 4.5K Retina Display where computer and monitor have been merged into one. Moreover, this model also includes a 12MP Center Stage camera, and thus, this makes it ideal for video calls as well as remote work.

There are seven colors available with this model which are: Blue, Green, Pink, Yellow, Purple, Orange and Silver. The iMac desktop also includes Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 in addition to up to four Thunderbolt 4 ports. Users also have the option of configuring this desktop with 2.5Gb Ethernet.

As per the claims made by Apple, the M6 equipped iMac provides up to double graphics processing power in addition to up to five times faster AI processing speed than the M4 powered model. However, this increase in AI processing will only be seen if compatible applications are being used with it.

The new iMac is available in two main chip configurations. The version with a 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU starts at Rs 1,74,900 in India, with an education price of Rs 1,68,900. The higher-end configuration with a 12-core CPU and 12-core GPU starts at Rs 1,99,900, while eligible education buyers can get it for Rs 1,87,900.

Pre-orders for both iMac configurations open on October 28, with sales beginning November 6. As with the MacBook Pro, the main changes focus on the new chip and connectivity rather than a substantial redesign of the overall device.

Should You Upgrade to the New Apple MacBook Pro or iMac?

The new MacBook Pro and iMac have seen a number of improvements in performance, which will benefit those that require graphics processors as well as applications that use artificial intelligence. The M6 MacBook Pro provides faster graphics processors, better AI technology, and a battery life of 24 hours, while the iMac comes with a desktop version of 4.5K Retina display and connectivity enhancements.

If one is currently using an M5 MacBook Pro or M4 iMac, upgrading their computers may not be necessary since their requirements might already be fulfilled by the devices. On the other hand, people who run more powerful applications or need to replace an old computer can consider buying these newer versions of Macs. In case someone is thinking about purchasing a MacBook Pro, one needs to keep in mind the price comparison of M5 Pro models as well.

Preorders of the M6 Mac lineup from Apple begin on October 28, and these machines go for sale on November 6. But for those who are planning to buy a premium Mac, attending the upcoming Pro and Tell event from Apple is important since there would be news about the next generation of MacBook lineup.